Humans VS Machines

This article is not about the speculated future, of machines taking over the World. However, some Hollywood movies might provoke you to think otherwise and for good reason. Throughout the years we have witnessed some of the most breathtaking block busters, who showed us countless possible outcomes for what can happen to us, when and if, the AI evolves to a higher level.

Today, thanks to the power of the internet, we can all enjoy our lives in a way, that our parents and grandparents could not even begin to imagine. Starting from video calls, instant messages with friends & family on social media, booking a vacation trip for the holidays, buying products and services, remote education with TOP Universities worldwide, down to paying for healthcare, insurance, taxes and fines. The list is endless and because of that, the growing challenge, that majority of people are facing right now is to create a plan for their future, in which they will be able to compete against AI and other technologies in the upcoming labor war.

1.      Automated Transportation

The future of transportation is knocking on the door and we’re already seeing the beginnings of self-driving cars, though the vehicles are currently required to have a driver present at the wheel for safety. Despite these exciting developments, the technology isn’t perfect yet, and it will take a while for public acceptance to bring automated cars into widespread use. Ever since 2012 Google has been testing a self-driving car in the U.S. The Department of Transportation has released definitions of different levels of automation, with Google’s car classified as the first level down from full automation. Other transportation methods are closer to full automation, such as trains, buses and other.

2. Cyborg Technology

One of the main limitations of being human is simply our own bodies and brains. Researcher Shimon Whiteson thinks that in the future, we will be able to augment ourselves with computers and enhance many of our own natural abilities. Though many of these possible cyborg enhancements would be added for convenience, others might serve a more practical purpose.

Yoky Matsuoka of Nest believes that AI will become useful for people with amputated limbs, as the brain will be able to communicate with a robotic limb to give the patient more control. This kind of cyborg technology would significantly reduce the limitations that amputees are causing on daily basis.

3. Taking over dangerous jobs

Robots are already taking over some of the most hazardous jobs available, including bomb defusing. These robots aren’t quite robots yet, according to the BBC. They are technically drones, being used as the physical counterpart for defusing bombs, but requiring a human to control them, rather than using AI. Whatever their classification, they have saved thousands of lives by taking over one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. As technology improves, we will likely see more AI integration to help these machines function.

Other jobs are also being reconsidered for robot integration. Welding, well known for producing toxic substances, intense heat, and earsplitting noise, can now be outsourced to robots in most cases. Robot Worx explains that robotic welding cells are already in use, and have safety features in place to help prevent human workers from fumes and other bodily harm.

4. Help solving climate change

Solving climate change might seem like a tall order from a robot, but as Stuart Russell explains, machines have more access to data than one person ever could—storing a mind-boggling number of statistics. Using big data, AI could one day identify trends and use that information to come up with solutions to the world’s biggest problems.

5. Have robot as friends

Who wouldn’t want a friend like C-3PO? At this stage, most robots are still emotionless and it’s hard to picture a robot you could relate to. However, a company in Japan has made the first big steps toward a robot companion—one who can understand and feel emotions. Introduced in 2014, “Pepper” the companion robot went on sale in 2015, with all 1,000 initial units selling out within a minute. The robot was programmed to read human emotions, develop its own emotions, and help its human friends stay happy. Pepper goes on sale in the U.S. in 2016, and more sophisticated friendly robots are sure to follow.

6. Assist in elder care

For many seniors, everyday life is a struggle and they need to hire outside help to manage their care, or rely on family members. AI is at a stage where replacing this need isn’t too far off, says Matthew Taylor, computer scientist at Washington State University. “Home” robots could help seniors with everyday tasks and allow them to stay independent and in their homes for as long as possible, which improves their overall well-being.

Although we don’t know the exact future, it is quite evident that interacting with AI will soon become an everyday activity. These interactions will clearly help our society evolve in regards, to automated transportation, cyborgs, handling dangerous duties, solving climate change, friendships and improving the care of our elders. Beyond these six impacts, there are even more ways that AI technology can influence our future and despite all the ricks humanity will face in the upcoming years, professionals across multiple industries are extremely excited for the ever-burgeoning future of Artificial Intelligence and limitless possibilities it has yet to reveal.